A creative idea - much closer to home!

To round out the busy week that Ken and I had, last night we went to a ministry kick off of a new not-for-profit called Firm Base.  After just posting about the creative ideas that Jesus gives to His followers to help them use their gifts and talents, it was so fitting to hear about Firm Base.

This ministry is the "creative idea" of my son-in-law, Tim Johnson.  Over the last almost twenty years, I have watched both Tim and Gwen go through some really tough periods of growth and change.  But through it all, they knew that as a team - as a family - they were called to serve Jesus.  I have written many posts about the sacrificial work they are doing with the youth in their local church.  I can attest to the many, many hours that they spend each week just being there for the youth and young adults that Jesus has brought into their path.   And the seed of this ministry was sown many, years ago.  I remember hearing Gwen talk about Tim being able to use his gifts of construction and home repair and car repair to help other people.  Gwen actually had drawn the logo in one of her journals many years before Firm Base came into reality.

It has taken hours and hours of work for Tim, and the team that he has brought together, to give Firm Base it's own firm base.  He has filed reams of paperwork and worked with government agencies to make this an official ministry.  And soon (hopefully) the last necessary document will arrive from the State of Illinois so that Firm Base can begin to receive monetary donations.  Every creative idea requires foot work to make it happen.  And these dedicated people have gone the distance to bring Tim's dream into reality.   

They began their kick off last night with prayer.  And prayer is the number one needed item to make Firm Base all that Jesus wants it to be.  Of course there will be other needs as the ministry begins to serve their community.  It blessed me to hear the team talking about making an impact on the clients they serve - not only meeting their physical needs, but also being there to minister to them.  Tim has a dream to help empower people by giving them hands on training to do repairs for themselves.  It reminded me of the saying  "If you give a man a fish he eats for a day, but if you teach a man to fish he will eat for a lifetime".  

Tim is marathon runner.  He and Gwen have a wall full of race medals.  

I have watched them train for these races.  Seen the determination and shear will to complete these long  distances.  I am convinced that Firm Base will succeed because it was born of that creative idea, sown by the Holy Spirit, brought from dream to reality by Tim, Gwen, Michael and Jason.    I love that their Firm Base badges are hanging on this rack.  They are determined to run this race also!

Won't you take a minute and click on that link above that will take you to their web page.  They are also on Facebook and you can follow them there. If you know someone who needs a ministry like this, please let them know.  Or, if you or someone you know would like to help out in some way, give them a call.  If you have any questions about Tim or the team - or anything else, let me know.   Most of all, won't you join me in praying for this new ministry - for Gwen and Tim and their family also as they step into this new level of ministry.   I could not be more proud of them!

Jesus, thank you again for the plan and purpose you have for each of us.  Thank you Holy Spirit, for giving each of us that seed creative idea that helps us to use our gifts and talents.  Jesus, pour out your blessings on Firm Base and all that are involved.  Make those connections that are needed to bring those who need help into contact with the helpers you are providing.  

A creative idea that is changing the world.........

It has been an interesting few days.  Ken just commented that we have really had an unusual week.  Today I actually got to check something off of my "bucket list" that I have been wanting to do for quite some time.   It may not seem exciting to some people, but today Ken and I got to volunteer at Feed My Starving Children.  

I know a lot of people who have volunteered to pack meals, but I have never gotten the chance to actually do it.  So Ken and I went as a part of  the team from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wheaton, thanks to an invite from our friends Bryon and Pat Noeske.  If you are not familiar with this organization, I suggest you click on the link and read about the amazing work that is being done to bring nutrition to starving children around the world.  We packed "Manna Rice" meals today.  It is a world wide meal with vitamins, spices, soy and rice that is acceptable to ALL people - regardless of their religious dietary restrictions.  I learned today that rice is one "grain" that is recognized and used around the world.  

We actually got to sample one of the meals.  It was interesting and actually not unlike a rice dish you might make at home.  I learned that 99.8% of the boxes that are shipped out of the United States actually get to their destinations and feed children.  This is truly a miraculous number when you consider the trip these boxes have to make! Surely God is in this process. All of the 100 or so people that volunteered during the shift we were on, got a chance to pray over the finished boxes.  The workers were very clear that prayer is an important part of their mission.  We were told that 100 is a good number of boxes to be packed in a two hour shift.  Here are the results of our time....

We had the amazing opportunity to help feed 66 children for AN ENTIRE YEAR!  Such an amazing experience.  Feed My Starving Children has shipped over 250 BILLION meals to 99 countries.  Thanks to this organization, we can all be a part of the solution to world hunger instead of just lamenting the state of the world.  I love how God uses people to be His hands and feet with creative ideas that truly change the world.  Just an example of how much power is in your "God Suit"!

We all helped clean up our packing stations at the end of our shift.  They are very careful to keep any products that are "clean" able to be used separate. .  It was interesting to hear that the soy/rice/vitamin mixtures that were spilled on the tables or on the equipment are not just thrown out.  They are actually collected and given to farmers to feed to their sheep and pigs!  

This was very fitting for our unusual week!  On Thursday, Ken and I went to our local County Fair!

We have lived in this county for 41 years and we have never gone.  In total truth telling, we most likely would not have bothered going this year if I had not heard that "seniors" were free if you went before 3:00pm.   So we decided to check it out!  

We saw lots of pigs and sheep!  Also cows, donkeys, goats, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, ducks, ponies, and even a camel!  It was mostly 4H kids who have raised these animals.  Very interesting to watch these young kids "showing" their animals, and to hear how the judges graded each one.  We got to see sheep being sheared and the wool being spun into yarn.  Certainly not a "normal" event for us. 

Sitting in my suburban house, working on a laptop with a smart phone by my side, it can be pretty easy to forget the agricultural life that our country was built on and we all depend on for our food.  I am incredibly thankful that I grew up with close family members farming.   The need for food is universal but the distribution of the worlds food supply is out of whack. One example of Jesus' solution to this problem is found at Feed My Starving Children.  What a blessing it is to know that Feed My Starving Children is also helping feed local farm animals.  

Two very different activities just days apart.  Yet Jesus found a way to show me his hand in directing my life.  It was so much more meaningful for me to consider the gift of animal feed when I had just touched, smelled and heard some of these local animals.  And children have and will always have a big place in my heart.  I am sure that Ken and I will be going back to volunteer many more times in the days ahead.  Standing in front of the big world map showing their distribution sights at Feed My Starving Children it seemed possible to "go into all the world".

Jesus, thank you for loving ALL of the children of the world.  Holy Spirit, it is your gift of creative ideas that helps us reach and touch multitudes of children around the world - even when we don't leave our homes.  Jesus, thank you for your heart of compassion for the hungry.  Give us all ears to hear your gentle whispers to help us fulfill your destiny in our life.  Amen

Never back down, I've got my "God Suit On".... ...

I always wait anxiously for the Bible Boot Camp week at Gwen and Tim's church.  This is so much more than a traditional VBS program.  Lia, Ellie, Zeke and Anna just can't wait for this week to arrive.  Zeke has a count down calendar and keeps close track of just how much longer he has to wait until Boot Camp finally arrives.  Zeke especially asked me to be sure and come to watch (which I have done most of the last few years).  There is something really special for me to actually see Gwen leading/teaching this program.  We were talking about the many, many years I was the one doing the planning, leading and teaching at VBS.  It is really wonderful to see her just continuing on with this valuable ministry for the kids.  This years theme was the Armour of God from Ephesians 6:10-18. 

I never actually managed to get a picture of all four kids together.  Lia actually was a crew leader and Ellie was a junior crew leader.  And this year was Anna's first year "with the big kids" (they have the preschool separate from the older kids).  Zeke was just very excited to finally be a Bible Boot Camp. I love the energy and the music and most of all I love the message of these days.     

The very first song of the day - that sets the theme for the entire weeks message was called "God Suit On".  I love this song!  It is really worth listening to this and really hearing the lyrics.  Quite frankly I think that most of us adults need to hear this song and learn this lesson.  I sure needed it!  This song starts ....."when I wake".  And isn't that true.  We all need to - every day -  start off remembering that there is a battle we are in each day.  And we have a "God suit" that will carry us through the day.  It was the "Good News Shoes" day when I visited.  So the focus was on going and sharing about Jesus.  I loved this so much!  The Children's Ministry leader, Becky Williams, shared her own testimony from this summer - doing Bible Boot Camp in Turkey!  Really amazing photos and wonderful story.  Gwen had one of the youth share about her mission trip experiences.  What a powerful testimony for all of these children.  In addition to these "far off places" the kids were reminded that they can share right now.  On the playgrounds, at school, with their neighbors and even with their families.  They can share on vacation, at the amusement park or at the store.   Every day also includes a bible verse and these kids are really learning and remembering these verses.  So they end this week knowing five important verses and filled with a great message to carry into their daily life.  To top this all off, they also do a service project each night that often involves the entire family.  The project assigned on the day I visited, was to create a "Birthday goody bag" to be given to the local food pantry.  These will be given to the families so these children can get a small gift on their birthdays.  What a fantastic way to give the Bible Boot Camp kids a chance to share something that they all have received themselves.  

While I was standing in the back of the room, just observing all that was happening, someone asked me how it felt to see Gwen singing and dancing around with the kids.  WONDERFUL!  That is how it felt.  I was remembering seeing Gwen participating in VBS as a crew leader.  And now I can imagine Lia and Ellie and Zeke and Anna standing up front, with a microphone sharing with a new group of kids about the love of Jesus.  

If you have any doubt that these kinds of experiences are valuable for children, just listen again to "God Suit On". Let this song touch you the way that it has touched my heart.  Share this song with a child in your world.  Better yet, share this song with your friends and family.  Join me in my silly dance as I shout................

  10, 9, 8, 7, 6 -  Got my hands in the air and your praise on my lips!

  5, 4, 3, 2 1  Never back down, I've got my God Suit On!

Jesus, thank you for your Word that is living and active.  Thank you for blessing us with music and song writers who give creative melodies to your powerful messages.  Holy Spirit, remind us all to start each day getting ready for the battles that are in each day by putting on your armour.  Thank you Jesus for knowing exactly what we need.  Amen

Right before your eyes.....

 I had my eyes checked this week - something that I have not had done for a couple of years.  I wear gas perm contact lens that are also bifocals.  They are pretty expensive and they last well.  I have been fortunate that my prescription has not changed much so I can get away with a two year span between check ups.  My eyes got a clean bill of health from the doctor!  As a matter of fact there will be only a very slight difference between my new contacts and the ones that I have been wearing for these last two years. All in all, it was an expensive and necessary visit to the eye doctor.

From the eye doctor, I went to visit my newly married friend at her "new to her" home.  She happens to now live in Elk Grove Village!  A hometown for Ken and I!  It was fun to drive her around and show her the schools we attended and also our family homes.  Amazing how much has changed in that town - yet so much is still the same. 

From there I went to see Lia perform in a production for a CYT (Christian Youth Theater) camp that she attended.  I simply can not believe how much the leaders can accomplish with groups of kids in only 5 days!

Lia had some speaking parts, some singing parts and also dance parts.  In addition to the group dances, she had a solo ballet dance with a boy teen camper.   I know that she is truly a "teen" now at 13 years old, but seeing her up on that stage, she seemed SOOOOO old!   While she will tell you that she is a "pretty good dancer" (which is really an understatement) she will also say that she can not sing!  That is FALSE.  She has a wonderful voice.  Thinking about her performance, I was reminded of the movie "Sister Act".  There is a scene where a very timid singing is encouraged to let her voice be heard!  And that is exactly how I felt after seeing Lia!  She needs a boost of confidence to really sing out.  

Earlier in the week, I spent a couple days with Grace.  Both days were HOT and HUMID and there were rain storms on both days.  So we had a lot of indoor time.  It was fun to see Grace discover the dry erase markers and her white board.  She loves to color and draw and this was a new medium for her.  She actually sat for almost an hour using all the colors of markers.  Erasing is half the fun! I can't believe how old she seems - all of a sudden.  Every day there is something new.

Right before my (recently checked out) eyes, my grandchildren are growing up.  Watching Lia with her friends, singing and dancing, I couldn't help but reflect on the prophetic word I had for her when she was born.  She would speak God's word, proclaim the truth, and lead the people.  She was a little bird with a big voice!  She is often the smallest in any group she is in.  But watching her on that stage, I could see how she would have a big influence on her generation.  I just can't wait to watch where she goes and the people that she reaches in the years ahead.    

Each of my grandchildren has a special prophetic word that I have been praying for them.  Grace's word has two really interesting parts.  First that she will be a "giant slayer".  Able to fight those really big things that we all face, through the power of Jesus.  Second, that she will be a worshiper!  Bringing songs of Jesus to the nations.  So when I hear her singing in her crib after a nap, and seeing her creative expressions through block building or coloring, it's not hard to imagine her stepping into all that I have been praying for her. 

It seems like only yesterday that I was praying for my first little grand baby to be - Lia.  In a blink of an eye, the time has passed.  Even as I write this blog, I am reminded how important it is to be praying for our children, grandchildren and even beyond that.  Our prayers do matter.   We can have influence over our future generations through the prayers we pray right now.  Spend a couple of minutes right now, thanking Jesus for all that he has done in your family lines in the past, in the present AND in the future.  It is pretty amazing to watch your prayers come to life through your grandchildren.

Jesus, thank you for your plans and purposes for all of us.  Holy Spirit, remind us to take a moment to look beyond our current situations.  Help us to see the past through your eyes.  Give us peace, comfort and courage to pray into the future, even as we walk through our present with you.  Thank you Jesus for you great love.  Amen

A week from the 1880's to the present - with stops in between!

I told the kids that this was really my happy place!  Swimming - in a lake!  I couldn't help but reflect on all of the time I spent in the water at Lake Maud during my growing up years.  I was telling the kids that I remembered Great Grandma Nona bringing a sandwich down to the dock because I refused to get out of the water for lunch.  I lived in my swimming suit for most of the summer.  So having the chance to swim with the kids for a couple of hours, was such a treat.  This is one of the many beaches near to Gwen's house.  The kids really prefer to swim in pools, but I love lake swimming. Such a nice start to this week for me.

At the end of the week, Ken and I traveled a couple hours away to Parke County Indiana that has 31 covered bridges.  We have been talking about visiting these bridges for a couple of years.  Every time we planned a trip the weather would not cooperate.  After traveling the narrow gravel roads to get to some of these bridges, we could understand why you would not want to visit in rain/flood conditions.

We actually got to 12 of the bridges for Ken to photograph.  We saw another 4 bridges off in the distance (you would have to walk through fields and forests to get to these).  We traveled over roads that you could hardly call roads - they were more dirt paths. We cut through some farm property.  Got detoured by "road work" (which was really necessary). Had not great cell phone coverage which made using our google directions difficult. Walked through mud, dirt, high weeds, rocks, and other muck.  BUT..... we saw some amazing things.

Some of these bridges were built in the 1800's.  So amazing to consider how long these have been in use.  The wood work was so interesting.  We learned that most flowing water in Indiana is called a "creek" while in Illinois most would be called rivers.  There were so many different wild flowers near these bridges.  I had lot of time to stop and look at them.

I had plenty of time to listen to the flowing water and just catch my breath.   It was such a nice couple of days away.  We relaxed at the hotel, swam in the pool and sat in the hot tub.   Certainly proves that you don't have to travel very far to really "Get Away"!  

On Wednesday my small group had a visit from Corrie ten Boom (thanks to an amazing presentation by a local women).  Corrie is one of those "great cloud of witnesses" that I can't wait to meet someday.  Her story, her faith and her life have been an influence on my own spiritual journey.  One of my most cherished memories is being in the National Holocaust Memorial in Washington, DC and seeing her name on the display of people who aided the Jews during World War II.  There was a large group of Jewish children and youth on a tour and they had stopped along side of me to listen as the tour guide told them about the people named on this display.    One of the children asked if these people were Jewish. The tour guide (who was a holocaust survivor) told them that most were Christians.  You could hear the surprise among the group.  The guide then told a bit of Corrie's story and many of the group were crying after hearing of her sacrifices.  What a testimony that is still having an impact.

It is interesting how Jesus takes our everyday activities and brings them together to bring revelation, learning and growth.  I did not realize how much I missed lake swimming until this time with the kids.  I had a chance to share some of my memories of Lake Maud with my grand kids.  Then, hearing Corrie's story again,  I was reminded that our testimonies live on, long after we are gone.  

The transforming power of Jesus in each of our lives, can bring that same transformation to others as these stories are retold.  Spending hours outside, by flowing water, surrounded by the sounds of birds, hearing bees buzzing around those lovely wild flowers filled my heart, soul and spirit with fresh energy.  Energy to put words on pages.  Energy to share whenever I get the chance.  

I am convinced that our prayers and our personal stories can influence and affect future generations. Just as those covered bridges from over a hundred years ago tell a story, so our ancestors can speak to us.  Every picture, every story told around a dinner table, every memory can reveal God's faithfulness and provision.  Every smile or kind word to a stranger, every shared laugh, every caring word to a friend, becomes a powerful tool to reach a hurting heart with the love and forgiveness of Jesus.  

Instead of lamenting the many times I have failed to share, or missed a chance to help, I will press on!  Moving forward, just like those flowing rivers.  Bringing what ever I have to those around me.  Don't sell yourself short!  We all have an important story to tell.  A story that each one of us knows well.  It is the story of our own life.  Be encouraged!  Tell someone today!  Share a testimony that will live on.  And most of all, take time today to hear the water flowing and the birds singing.  See the sunshine in the blue sky.  Really see and hear these things.  You will be energized!

Jesus, thank you so much for working in MY plans to let me know the truth of YOUR plans for my life.  Help us all, Holy Spirit, to slow down and hear your whispers.  Show us our happy places and remind us of your provision to us.  Keep our eyes focused on you Jesus.  Give us courage and boldness to tell our stories of your faithfulness to us.  Amen

Finally back blogging...Happy 4th of July!

I know that it has been a long time since I blogged - six weeks!  It was a very busy 6 weeks, however the fact that I was busy, is not the reason for the blog silence.  I made a very clear decision to step back from this blog and re-evaluate.  That included thinking/praying about the reasons for this blog.  Looking back at some past blogs.   Looking into the future a bit.  Among other things!  It was a good time to rest and let events happen.  In addition to all my "normal" busyness - being with my grand kids and life in general - here is a recap of what kept me away during these weeks.

1.  A brief visit with my sister Julie.
2.  Anna's preschool graduation.
3.  Dance recitals for Lia, Ellie and Anna.
4.  Lia's Birthday.
5.  Zeke's Birthday party.
6.  A full week with Ellie, Zeke and Anna while Gwen, Tim and Lia were on a Mission Trip.
(During that week Ken was in Florida visiting with his sisters)
7. Short trip to a nearby lake for a walk/photo session
8.  A wedding of my friend Diane.

And finally, the 4th of July!  Ken and I had a wonderful holiday.  We got up early and went with Doug and Susie and Grace to an early parade in a nearby town.  We were very thankful that they moved the start time to 9:00am since it was VERY HOT!  Grace was delighted to pick up all of the candy that was tossed to her, but the best things was the Ice Pops that several groups gave out!  And the water bottles!  After the parade, we spent a bit of time at Doug and Susie's and got to watch Grace in her new pool.

She was so excited to go down the slide into the water.  It was fun to watch her slide, over and over.  I'm sure she took a good nap after all that excitement before it was even noon.

Ken and I decided to go to the local fireworks display.  Something that we haven't done for years.  Last year we had decided to try a nearby parking garage roof, but the event was rained out.  This year was clear so we saw the entire show from 7 floors up.  Actually the hour before our town's display began,  we watched all around the horizon as various communities had slightly earlier start times.  No matter what direction you looked, there were tons of fireworks. 

Getting out of the garage and home was much easier than being in all the traffic right by the park.  So we called this a major win.  I am sure we will be going back there again next year.

One of the reasons for the brief break from blogging, is my sadness at the decline in the number of people who are seeing my blog.  This has been because Google stopped sharing any posts from the Blogger platform.  I lost a good number of my international readers who followed me through Google.  I suspect that many of my new readers also came from that search engine.  I watched as my readership fell from the hundreds and sometimes thousands into the teens.  However, as I have reflected back on the reasons that I began this blog, I am convinced that I need to continue to write and share my life in this way.  Sometimes it is the smallest things that reach people and effect changes.  Although this blog may not be read by that many people, I am convinced that the people who need to read my words, will find them.  I spent several years before I began this blog in 2013, feeling frustrated and stifled.  I felt as if I had been given things to share and yet I didn't have anywhere to share!  When I started this blog, it was as if the floodgates opened and so much poured out.  I was reminded of my life verse from John 7:38.... "rivers of living water will flow from within them".   I am amazed when I go back and look at some of my posts.  Clearly these were God-given words and not mine.  Today I am feeling ashamed that the number of readers caused me to back off this blog.  It was giving way to much power to Google.... when God is in charge of who sees theses words!   Yes, lesson learned. When God calls you to something, don't stop just because it gets hard or uncomfortable.  Just keep on going.  I saw this yesterday from the diary of John Wesley....

Sunday A.M.  May 5 - Preached in St. Anne's. Was asked not to come back anymore.

Sunday P.M. May 5 - Preached in St. John's.  Deacons said "Get out and stay out"

Sunday A.M. May 12 - Preached in St. Jude's. Can't go back there either.

Sunday A.M. May 19 - Preached on street. Kicked off of street

Sunday A.M. June 2 - Preached out at the edge of town.  Kicked off of highway.

Sunday P.M. June 2- Preached in a pasture. Ten Thousand people came out to hear me.  

If God calls you to share, I guess you just have to keep on sharing and let Him bring the people!

Jesus, thank you for using this past few weeks to remind me that this blog is about you.  It is all about my relationship with you.  Help me keep my eyes focused on your kingdom and off of the cares of this world.  Remind us all that you are much bigger than anything that is happening in the world around us.  Thank you for the plans and purposes you have for all of us.  Amen